Elizabeth Mae Runge, 97, of Port Monmouth, peacefully passed away at her daughter’s home Jan. 9, 2024, with her family by her side. Elizabeth was born Sept. 16, 1926, in Massena, New York, a daughter of the late Lizzie and William Vallance. She lived in Jersey City until she was 5 years old. Her family then moved to East Keansburg. After marrying her husband Robert in 1947, they decided to settle in Port Monmouth in 1949 to raise their family and spend the rest of their lives together.
Bette worked for Prudential before marrying. After raising her children she went to work for the Ja-ce Company and the Middletown Lunch program at Thorne Middle School for 15 years.
Bette was a communicant of the Navesink Methodist Church. She was also a 65-year member and past president of the Port Monmouth Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary and a member and past president of the state Auxiliary.
When her children were younger, Bette was involved with the Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. She enjoyed summer days at Ideal Beach and was an avid Mets fan. After her husband retired, they enjoyed traveling around the world together.
Bette will be fondly remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
Bette was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Robert L. Runge Sr., in 2011 and their grandson Robert Runge III in 1980.
She is survived by their four children: daughter Joyce Lauer, widow of Arnie Lauer; son Robert Runge Jr., husband of Kelly; son Glenn Runge, husband of Debbie; and son Steven Runge. Bette also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, Adam (Donna), Sean (Monique), Deven, Arnold (Kami), Stephanie (Mike), Sandra (Vinny), Lisa (Matt), Jessica (Patrick), Matthew (Bethany) and Shan, along with 11 great-grandchildren, Piper, Wendy, Elizabeth, Robert IV, Arnold, Elizabeth, Steven, Lily, Vincent, Sadie and Jasmine.
Bette’s family would like to thank Vitality Hospice, especially Lauren, her health aid, and Samantha, her nurse, for the loving care they gave to Bette the past year and a half.
Friends and relatives paid their respects Jan. 14 and 15 at Scott & Kedz Home for Funerals. A funeral home service was offered on Jan. 15. The burial and committal followed at Fairview Cemetery.
This article originally appeared in the February 1 – 7, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
